The Atlanta Braves have bolstered their lineup by acquiring all-star second baseman Dan Uggla from the Florida Marlins, a division rival. These days, clubs rarely deal sluggers within their division and try their best to deal them outside of the league entirely. However, Dan Uggla kept rejecting offers from the Marlins, as he wanted a 5-year, $71 million deal and was offered 3/$24M and 4/$48M. The Braves sent utility man Omar Infante and pitcher Mike Dunn to complete the trade. Atlanta will have a solid heart of the order now with Dan Uggla, Jayson Heyward, and Brian McCann.
Personally, I love this deal for Atlanta, as they’re showing their fans they care about challenging the Phillies for the division title and realize they aren’t too far away from becoming a World Series threat.
On the flip side, I have no clue what the Marlins are doing. This isn’t the first move that had me shaking my head. They sent former first-round pick Andrew Miller to Boston for a relief pitcher, Dustin Richardson. The Red Sox are probably thrilled with such a deal since Andrew has promise, but maybe needed a better pitching coach and situation. They also sent Cameron Maybin to the Padres for a pair of relievers, Ryan Webb and Edward Mujica. Let’s not forget Miller and Maybin were the pieces that sent Miguel Cabrera to Detroit. There is a rumor the Marlins are going heavy for a 30-year-old catcher, John Buck, and want to give him three years and $18M. Hanley Ramirez has to be a little upset with these events.
